British Cycling's Performance Director Dave Brailsford has released a statement following the British team's performance in the Elite men's race at the 2005 Madrid world road race championships, slamming the lack of teamwork within the squad, particularly riders Charly Wegelius and Tom Southam and manager John Herety.
Brailsford said, "the Elite Men's Road Team for the World Championships in Madrid was chosen with a clear strategy, which identified a single team leader. The remaining riders in the team were expected to totally dedicate their efforts to supporting him. In the event, both Tom Southam and Charly Wegelius ignored this team strategy and instead chose to ride for themselves, an act which was totally unacceptable." Southam and Wegelius both abandoned the race, with Roger Hammond finishing in 41st position and Bradley Wiggins 112th.
Brailsford has contacted the pair, and has taken drastic action, saying, "I have spoken at length to Tom and Charly and they both recognise that they made a grave error of judgment. Whilst they have both apologised for their actions, this type of behaviour by a GB rider will not be tolerated now or at any time in the future. As a consequence of their actions, I cannot foresee the circumstances under which Tom or Charly would ever be selected for GB or England again. Both riders have agreed to repay the costs associated with their participation in the event."
Not just Wegelius and Southam felt the force of Brailsford's wrath: John Herety, national road race manager, has tendered his resignation, and this has been accepted. Brailsford placed a large amount of responsibility for what happened on Herety's shoulders, and he's paid the price for Great Britain's poor performance in the elite men's race. No comment was made as to who Herety's successor would be at this early stage.
